Math Problem Statement

A radioactive substance decays according to the function y = y₀ e^(-0.092t). Find the half-life of this substance. Do not round any intermediate computations, and round your answer to the nearest tenth.

Solution

To find the half-life of the radioactive substance, we use the equation:

y=y0e0.092ty = y_0 e^{-0.092t}

Step 1: Define the half-life

The half-life (t1/2t_{1/2}) is the time it takes for the substance to decay to half its initial amount. Mathematically, when y=y02y = \frac{y_0}{2}, we solve for tt.

y02=y0e0.092t\frac{y_0}{2} = y_0 e^{-0.092t}

Step 2: Simplify the equation

Divide both sides by y0y_0:

12=e0.092t\frac{1}{2} = e^{-0.092t}

Step 3: Take the natural logarithm of both sides

ln(12)=0.092t\ln\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) = -0.092t

We know that ln(12)=ln(1)ln(2)=ln(2)\ln\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) = \ln(1) - \ln(2) = -\ln(2). So:

ln(2)=0.092t-\ln(2) = -0.092t

t=ln(2)0.092t = \frac{\ln(2)}{0.092}

Step 4: Calculate the half-life

The natural logarithm of 2 is approximately 0.693. Substituting:

t=0.6930.0927.5dayst = \frac{0.693}{0.092} \approx 7.5 \, \text{days}

Final Answer:

The half-life of the substance is 7.5 days.

Would you like more explanation or examples? Here are some related questions:

  1. How does changing the decay constant affect the half-life?
  2. What is the half-life if the decay constant is doubled?
  3. Can you derive the formula for half-life in terms of the decay constant?
  4. What does the value of ee represent in this context?
  5. How would the half-life change if the decay was measured in hours instead of days?

Tip: Remember that the decay constant (kk) is inversely proportional to the half-life.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Decay
Half-life
Natural Logarithms

Formulas

y = y₀ e^(-kt)
t = ln(2) / k

Theorems

Logarithmic Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12